According to rumors from the Greek broadcaster Mega TV, which were picked up by the German information site Focus.de, the Belgian investigators investigating Qatargate had a visor “over 60 MPs”, most of whom belong to the Socialist & Democrat Group, the EPP and “left parties”. The aim of the alleged corruption would be to have positive or softer positions towards Qatar.
Meloni: “Devastating contours, makes full light”
In Italy, the latest developments in the Belgian investigation remain the focus of attention to this day. “The scenario is objectively worrying, the news that is coming out is telling us something we could never have imagined,” notes the prime minister Giorgia Meloni, who commented on the “Qatargate” scandal on the fringes of the European Council in Brussels. “I believe that in the face of events of this nature, the response, which must be firm and decisive, counts a lot. We must go all the way and no discounts must be given. The credibility of the Union, of our nations, depends on it,” he emphasizes again, hoping for a discussion on this topic during the EU Council session. “We will ask that what happened be fully cleared up because the contours are quite devastating.”concludes the Prime Minister.
Qatargate, Metsola: “Let’s not hide dust under the carpet”
Metsola: “No impunity, we are not for sale”
The Italian Prime Minister’s hope is reflected in the words of the President of the European Parliament Robert Metsola, who, while waiting to understand the point of the investigation’s collapse, returns to reiterate a clear political message: “There will be no impunity, we will not sweep the dust under the rug”. Today’s European Council, he continues, will also “discuss the allegations against the European Parliament, which are a blow to democracy and everything we have fought for for many years. It takes many years to build trust, but a moment is enough to shatter it.” “It is not business as usual: I will do everything to restore the House of Democracy’s position as lawmaker, as an institution that makes decisions , which is transparent and cannot be sold to foreign actors who try to undermine us,” he concludes.
On December 14, the Council Chamber of the Brussels Court of First Instance confirmed the preventive detention of Francesco Giorgi and Pierantonio Panzeri. Nicolò Figà-Talamanca remains “also detained” but with the electronic bracelet method. Instead, on December 22, the former Vice President of the EU Parliament, Eva Kaili, will appear in front of the Council Chamber.